Hawkfish

Cirrhitidae

Small, colourful perchers that sit on coral heads using their pectoral fins like hands. They barely move, making them perfect for macro shots — look for them on top of fan corals and sponges in tropical waters.

Last updated April 2026

Species

Freckled hawkfish

Paracirrhites forsteri(4 photos)

Least ConcernUp to 22 cm5–35mCoral reef

A small, plump fish perched on coral branches with its pectoral fins, covered in red-brown freckles on a pale background. Hawkfish sit and watch.

Sits motionless atop coral heads scanning for prey — easy to approach and photograph as it relies on camouflage rather than flight.

Observed at

Small Crack(Sharm El Sheikh)Gorgonian Garden(Hurghada)

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